Kishida Reaffirms Japan's Commitment to Peace on WWII Anniversary

TOKYO — On the 79th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to uphold a rules-based international order, emphasizing Japan's commitment to peace. Speaking at a solemn ceremony at Budokan hall, Kishida stated, “We will never again repeat the tragedy of war,” reaffirming the nation’s postwar pacifist stance. He acknowledged the immense suffering endured by Japan, including over 3 million lives lost and the devastation from battles and bombings, but notably did not address Japan's wartime aggression in Asia, a point that has drawn criticism for perceived historical whitewashing. Earlier in the day, three of Kishida's ministers, including Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, visited the Yasukuni Shrine, a site viewed by many in Asia as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past. The shrine honors convicted war criminals among the 2.5 million war dead, and such visits are often interpreted as a lack of remorse for Japan's wartime actions, particularly by nations like China and Korea. Kihara's visit marks the first by a serving defense chief since 2021, while Kishida opted not to attend, sending a religious ornament instead. Emperor Naruhito, who also participated in the ceremony, expressed “deep remorse” for Japan's wartime actions. Amid rising tensions with China and North Korea, Kishida has accelerated Japan's military buildup and enhanced cooperation with the United States and Indo-Pacific allies, reflecting a shift in defense strategy in response to regional threats.